Ask Me Now is a jazz standard composed by Thelonious Monk. It is a ballad that often centers around Db major, but the chord changes wander through many keys, delivering rich chromatic movement and a distinctive, melodic line. It was first recorded and released in 1951 by the Thelonious Monk Quintet, with the session taking place on July 23, 1951. Since then it has become a widely performed jazz staple, appearing on numerous Monk albums and in many instrumental and vocal interpretations by other artists. The tune is celebrated for Monk’s unique harmonic language and the lyrical mood of its melody.
